On the morning of August 29th, bright and early, the Lovers met for a chat with NY Times best selling author Gina L. Maxwell to discuss her debut book, Seducing Cinderella. She even gave us an exclusive. Enjoy!
Rosette: Morning Gina! We are so glad that you are here!!
Gina L. Maxwell: Good morning!
Tiffany: Thanks for joining us this morning Gina! 🙂 How are you doing?
Elizabeth: Good Morning everyone!
Gina L. Maxwell: Thank you so much for having me. This is so exciting. I’m fantastic!
Jessica: Morning! Excuse me I just rolled out of bed. LOL
Gina L. Maxwell: So did I Jessica! LOL
Tiffany: Yay!! So Gina big CONGRATULATIONS!! Seducing Cinderella is now a NY Times Best Seller!
Gina L. Maxwell: THANK YOU!!!
Jessica: Exciting news!
Tiffany: How do you feel about being #9 on the list knowing it’s a debut book for you!?
Gina L. Maxwell: I have a really hard time putting it into words. Most of the time I’m just amazed!
Rosette: How did you celebrate this accomplishment?
Gina L. Maxwell: My family and I all went out to a Hibachi restaurant! The waitress asked for my autograph! It was a really great time. 🙂
Tiffany: AWW! That’s awesome!!
Rosette: How cool is that?
Jessica: Autographs! Amazing!
Elizabeth: So how long have you been writing? What inspired you to become a writer?
Gina L. Maxwell: I started writing early 2009. I’d just finished a Gena Showalter book (she’s my all-time favorite author) and was so in awe of her characters that I started to wonder what characters I would like to have if I wrote a book. That’s when Angelica & Dominic popped into my head (my H/H from my PNR releasing next year) & refused to leave. I started writing their story as a hobby, but then loved it so much decided to try and get pubbed. 🙂
Tiffany: Do you remember the book you finished of Gena’s?
Gina L. Maxwell: I can’t remember which specifically, but it was in her Lords of the Underworld series. <3
Jessica: About how long did it take for you to write Seducing Cinderella?
Gina L. Maxwell: All three years! The problem was that although I had a certain raw talent for writing more candid, journal-style stories, I knew NOTHING on how to write GOOD FICTION. It’s a whole different animal. So while I was writing Desires of the Soul, I was also teaching myself through articles and blog posts on writing, as well as using CPs. I went through 14 major rewrites and literally hundreds of minor revisions before it was ready to sell! 🙂
Jessica: It was well worth all that!
Gina L. Maxwell: LOL I’ll do that every time so you know I’m done.
Tiffany: Wow!! 14 rewrites!!
Gina L. Maxwell: Yeah, by the end of the 3 years I said if I ever looked at that MS again it would be too soon, but now I miss it and can’t wait to start editing it this winter!
Tiffany: Yay!! Excited for the next one! Where is your favorite place to write?
Gina L. Maxwell: I wish I had an office, but I don’t yet. So I bounce between the kitchen table, the couch, sitting in bed, or a small computer desk in my bedroom.
Rosette: Some authors don’t outline and some absolutely have to have an outline to function while writing. Which do you prefer?
Gina L. Maxwell: I’m a total pantser. In fact, when I started writing Seducing Cinderella, my editor suggested I read SAVE THE CAT by Blake Snyder which gives screenwriters and authors a Beat Sheet that shows the different beats (or plot points) in any book or movie. After reading it, I sent her this MEGA detailed outline of the book, because that’s what I thought she wanted me to do. It took me DAYS to put it together. She called me instantly and said, “OMG, I think I broke you!” LOL Apparently she only wanted me to use it as a guide, but to continue pantsing as I always do because that’s what works for me. 🙂
Rosette: Do you suggest that for all aspiring authors? Reading Save the Cat?
Gina L. Maxwell: Yes! It’s a fantastic read! It’s originally for screenwriters, but it applies to books as well. And it isn’t boring. He uses film examples everyone knows.
Tiffany: Well that works then since we want it to become a film. 😉
Gina L. Maxwell: YES WE DO! Keep pushing the book. 🙂 The more it sells, the better the chances!
Elizabeth: We love reading books with both points of view of the main characters. Was it difficult to write one love interest and have it change to another? Did the characters object to it?
Gina L. Maxwell: Me too. That’s why I love 3rd person as opposed to 1st. No, it wasn’t difficult at all…In THAT respect, the characters behaved themselves. 😉 Not so much in others. LOL
Rosette: Loved the characters!
Elizabeth: Well, they certainly kept me entertained. 😉
Gina L. Maxwell: Thank you!
Jessica: LOL! Yes LOVED the characters.
Rosette: Haha Jess we know who you loved!
Jessica: LOL! Too many cold showers for me.
Tiffany: Reid is another fictional boyfriend of mine! 😉 hahaha
Gina L. Maxwell: LOL – yes, a lot of women have mentioned those.
Jessica: What inspired you to write Seducing Cinderella? Who or what inspired Reid & Lucie?
Gina L. Maxwell: [takes big breath…]
Tiffany: hahaha
Jessica: LOL
Gina L. Maxwell: A certain picture of male model Parker Hurley wearing only shorts and black hand wraps is what inspired the idea of an MMA hero. (I’m a huge UFC fan.) I always start my stories by figuring out the hero, then giving him a heroine who will drive him nuts & bring him to his knees, then ask them what their story is. The character inspiration for Lucie is Katie Holmes. She has that adorable girl-next-door look with the ability to be sexed up to look like a total vixen. It was perfect for Lucie’s character. 🙂
Tiffany: Wow! Is anything in the book based on real life experiences or is it purely all imagination?
Gina L. Maxwell: Ooh, good question. I always use little facts or names from real life in all of my books…I’m not sure if that’s because I’m nostalgic, or just unoriginal. LOL For example, Fritz, the bartender in SC, his name is from the kind crossing guard I had when I was in kindergarten, but his personality is a lot like my husband’s Uncle Junior. I loved his character with Vanessa and Lucie. That’s pretty much how Uncle Jr. is with all of us. 🙂
Tiffany: I loved Fritz! I loved that back and forth!
Jessica: Fritz was awesome! I did too.
Rosette: Yes Fritz was great!
Tiffany: “Don’t get your panties twisted” “I’d have to wear panties to get them twisted” hahahaha too funny!!
Jessica: hahaha
Gina L. Maxwell: LOL!
Tiffany: That was one of my favorite parts!
Gina L. Maxwell: Yeah, I think I might have to find a way to bring him into book 2. Just for you girls. 😉
Tiffany: YAY!!!! *cheers*
Jessica: YES!
Gina L. Maxwell: LOL – Okay, consider it done.
Jessica: Thanks! 😀
Elizabeth: Which character was the most challenging to write?
Gina L. Maxwell: Reid was in the beginning. I wanted him to be all growly and “I don’t need yours or anyone else’s help.” But every time the guy opened his mouth he was saying the sweetest damn things and flashing that killer smile of his! So eventually I threw my hands up and let him be who he claimed he was. 🙂
Rosette: What is your favorite chapter and why?
Gina L. Maxwell: This question killed me the first time I heard it. “I have to CHOOSE?!?!” LOL But…
Rosette: haha all of them right?
Tiffany: haha
Elizabeth: LOL
Jessica: It’s like being asked your favorite child right?
Gina L. Maxwell: ..after giving it some thought, if I was held at gunpoint and asked to pick, I’d say the art gallery scene. (Yes, Jessica, it really is!) There was so much raw emotion in that scene and everything kind of comes to a head. Then add in the storm and the up-against -the-building stuff and I pretty much had early hot flashes. 😉
Elizabeth: Between that one and the rainy alley that followed I was all over the place? LOL
Tiffany: OMG THAT RAIN SCENE!! We’ll talk about that soon! That might have been my favorite scene. haha
Jessica: It’s everyone’s! LOL
Tiffany: Heck yes!!
Jessica: Reid was such an interesting character with so many layers to him. He was a professional fighter but he was also an artist. What layers do you have that your readers do not know about? What are your hidden talents do you have that you are willing to share?
Gina L. Maxwell: Hidden talents? Well, I actually went to college for musical theatre & dance. I come from a very musical family (on my dad’s side) so I’m a better than average singer and dancer, but it turns out I suck at acting. LOL So I worked odd jobs until I found writing. SO glad I found writing! 😉
Rosette: Me too
Jessica: hahaha we do too!
Tiffany: We are sooo glad you found writing! We love your stuff! I know what you mean about the musical family! I went to school & studied theatre & film. My dad’s a singer too!
Gina L. Maxwell: Mine was too! He had a couple of records out. Quinky dink!
Tiffany: really?!!
Rosette: That’s the phrase for the day Quinky dink!
Gina L. Maxwell: LOL Apparently when I censor my language I turn into a kindergarten teacher. Usually I swear like a truck-driving ex-sailor!
Tiffany: haha me too!!
Rosette: LOL so do we
Jessica: hahaha
Tiffany: About Parker Hurley, who Reid is modeled after…How often did you look at his picture for inspiration? 😉
Gina L. Maxwell: Um, is it too creepy to say ALL. THE. TIME!?
Tiffany: HAHAHAHA NOOOOOO!!! I actually have his picture opened right now as we chat!! hahaha
Jessica: LOL! No not creepy at all
Tiffany: Did you interview him at all for this book or any fighter for that matter?
Gina L. Maxwell: No, I didn’t interview anyone. I am however speaking with him on a regular basis. *swoon*
Tiffany: *sigh*
Elizabeth: I had his pic open while reading…visual aids are nice!
Jessica: Oh lucky woman!
Rosette: Since we are on the subject of PH can you give us any juicy news about him?
Gina L. Maxwell: Tell you what, I’ll do you one better. I’ll give you exclusive first rights to our huge news.
Rosette: OMG Ahhh! I love you! Biting nails now Gina..
Tiffany: OH SNAP!!!
Elizabeth: SERIOUSLY?! I love you!!!
Jessica: Awesome! 😀 We really do appreciate it!
Tiffany: with THAT…ANDDDDD looking at a pic of him right now!! I’m done *mic drop HAHAHA
Gina L. Maxwell: Right now, there’s a very good chance we’ll be able to get him on the cover of the paperback edition that’s releasing in a few months. Entangled and I are working out logistics 🙂 I’ve spoken with Parker and he’s so incredibly flattered and excited to be associated with the character of Reid and the book that, even if we can’t work things out with schedules and whatnot, I’m still thrilled to have his support. Hopefully SC will get a movie deal someday and we’ll see Parker in the role he was meant to play on the Big Screen. 🙂
Tiffany: O_O!!!!!!! WOW!!
Jessica: ooooooh squeeeee! I have butterfiles in my stomach for you! LOL
Elizabeth: That is so awesome!!
Rosette: Awesome Gina!!!
Gina L. Maxwell: Our BIG GOAL is to secure a film option for Seducing Cinderella with him as Reid. 😉
Elizabeth: I am ALL OVER that campaign! Count me in!
Jessica: You just killed me. I’m dead…dead, dead, dead
Tiffany: *CPR calling Parker…
Elizabeth: Gina, you tell me when and what to do…you’ve got me sold! 😀
Gina L. Maxwell: The more exposure SC gets and the more it sells, the better our chances are!!!
Rosette: You are the bomb Gina!
Elizabeth: I’m going to turn into a Cinderella PIMP! LOL
Gina L. Maxwell: Hooray!!!
Tiffany: HAHAHAHAHA E!
Rosette: I think we already have.
Elizabeth: Wait, that sounded bad…
Gina L. Maxwell: Just remember, you’re doing it for Parker! LOL
Rosette: How can we forget Parker?
Tiffany: Yes! Of course
Elizabeth: Well thanks to you I have been introduced to him and he has crept up the short list!
Gina L. Maxwell: That makes me happy to know. I’d love if every woman in the world knew who he was. He’s so sweet and funny.
Jessica: Lucie is a bit on the unorganized side with papers everywhere. Are you like Lucie?
Gina L. Maxwell: In my home life, yes! I’m FAR from Suzie Homemaker. But when I used to be an executive assistant, I was super anal about my workspace. LOL Go figure!
Rosette: That is how it’s like for me as well. My house is an organized messy haha
Elizabeth: Paper and I do not get along!
Tiffany: What is your process for writing? Any specific habits, rituals, or favorite items you need before starting?
Gina L. Maxwell: The only thing I really like to have is my character images in place, but it’s not a necessity. Other than that, I have no superstitions or lucky socks or anything. 😉 I’m pretty boring in that sense.
Rosette: Are you a full time writer or do have another profession as well?
Gina L. Maxwell: I’m so very lucky to now be a full-time writer. In fact, that’s why I wrote SC in the first place. Since my PNR trilogy doesn’t release till Summer 2013, I was going to have to get a “real job”. *shudders* My editor didn’t want me to do that so she told me to write a book for one of the category lines just to get me through. I had NO idea about what would happen with SC! But because of it, I can now do what I love full-time. Yay!
Rosette: That’s wonderful to spend all that time with something you love to do
Elizabeth: Now that we know of a paperback release, how do you feel about potentially seeing your name in print in random stores when you least expect it?
Gina L. Maxwell: I’M SO FREAKING EXCITED ABOUT THAT!!!!LOL – sorry. But the idea of it just blows me away.
Jessica: It looks like our chat time is about up and we know you have a meeting to get to. Time flies when you’re having fun!
Rosette: We loved having you! Thanks again Gina!
Jessica: Thanks Gina!
Tiffany: hahaha Thanks for chatting w/ us!!
Gina L. Maxwell: Thank you so much for this interview, ladies! This was SO much fun! I adore all of you and hope to do this again after my next release.
Elizabeth: I am so glad we got to do this, I’ve had so much fun grinning at my computer screen!
Jessica: I hope we can do it again. 😀
Gina L. Maxwell: Thanks, Rosette. You girls are SO tops in my book. 😉
Elizabeth: Awww, thanks! We love you too! 🙂
Jessica: Awwww! Thanks! Thanks for an amazing book!
Gina L. Maxwell: Ciao, bellas! *mwah*
Elizabeth: XOXO
Rosette: Hugs and Luvs!
Gina L. Maxwell: 😉
Click here to read part 1 of our interview with Gina!
[…] here to read part 2 with our interview with […]